Review: Patton - The Pursuit of Destiny

Patton - The Pursuit of Destiny by Agostino Von Hassell and Ed Breslin. A very interesting book with a different perspective on the well known General. Most people who have heard of General Patton either know only of what major accomplishments he had while in the military, or what they saw in the movie. This goes deeper into the psyche of the man himself and includes the influences that made him that way.

Patton was originally from a fairly well off family. The family itself had a history of its men in the military, from the Civil War onward. This history included Patton's grandfather, father and the man himself attending VMI (Virginia Military Institute). It also included several cases of the men being lost during war. With a family history steeped in military careers, it was a given that George Smith Patton, Jr. would go that way as well.

He was also an excellent motivator who believed in practicing what you preach. He learned early on to always have his bible with him. He was also a major believer in always learning more. He was constantly learning new ways and methods for improving his skills as a military commander and as a leader of the upper society. While he made many gaffes in his life, he was constantly learning from his mistakes. In fact, despite many setbacks in his life and many bouts with depression, he always continued on. He considered the setbacks something to be conquered and did so.

Patton includes his relationship with his family, particularly his wife, as great influences on his life. It covers his military career at length giving detail that has otherwise been overlooked but which helps the reader understand more of what motivated Patton. The book also displays many of Patton's skills that are generally overlooked, such as his capability for training outstanding soldiers. All together, this is a great recounting of Patton's life and his military career.

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